The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) has appealed against a Federal Court decision which found the differential treatment of single Defence Force members non-discriminatory.

The case developed when SGT Michael Dopking, applied to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for the Home Purchase and Sale Expenses Allowance (HPSEA), after purchasing a home in December 1988.

The application was rejected on the ground that SGT Dopking was a serving memb er without family and therefore not eligible for assistance.

In Ma y 1989 Mr Dopking lodged a written complaint with the Commission alleging the A D F decision discriminated against him because he was single.

HREOC has found in SGT Dopking's favour on 3 separate occasions, however the Commonwealth's latest appeal to the Federal Court resulted in the Commi ssion's finding being set aside.

SGT D opking, represente d by the Arm ed Forces Federation, said it was ironic that only a week before the Federal Co urt handed down their decision, M iniste r Punch announced initi atives that gave single ADF members greater recognition and equity.

The package extended the payment of HPS EA to single member s, the allowance SGT D opking has been denied.